Residents demonstrate near Hadera against ‘government’s helplessness in the face of incessant Qassam rocket attacks’ on western Negev town. Protesters' signs read, ‘Olmert, wake up, because Ariel Sharon is in a coma’

Ynet reporters|Published: 31.05.07 , 20:54

Several hundred residents of Sderot held a demonstration Thursday at the Olga junction near Hadera in protest of what they said was the government’s helplessness in the face of incessant Qassam rocket attacks on the western Negev city.

“My brother’s house was hit by a Qassam yesterday; there is no solution to the attacks.”

'Everyone seems oblivious to our situation.' (Photo: Or Cohen)

Chen, who along with some 200 other Sderot residents was sent to an all-expenses paid retreat at a Friends of the IDF rest and recreation center in the area, said, “Giving us food and drinks and a chance to soak in the sun is not a solution. We have jobs, businesses. We plan on coming here every day until someone in the government acts.

Batia Katar, a member of the headquarters of the struggle for Sderot's safety, said the residents felt it was necessary to hold a demonstration outside Sderot.

“Life outside the city is going on as usual and the residents of Israel’s center don’t really care; this is why we decided to protest outside the city,” she said.

Michael Adamov, 45, who is married with four children, said, “We are going crazy in Sderot. It is a feeling of ongoing anxiety, and the children are confused and helpless.

“Our signs read, ‘Olmert, wake up, because (Ariel) Sharon is in a coma’. I call on the leaders to come live in Sderot with their kids for a week – let’s see how they handle it.”